City Departments

Boards and Commissions

Through a variety of boards and commissions, established by the City of Seattle, citizens can provide input on the policies that shape their government and their city. There are currently more than 50 boards and commissions that advise the Mayor and City Council on a vast array of issues. Over 450 of the people who serve are directly appointed by the Mayor.

City Departments

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) has the most diverse set of responsibilities of any City department.
FAS combines the functions from the former Fleets and Facilities Department and the former Department of Executive Administration
with the revenue forecasting, debt management and tax policy functions that were previously performed by the former Department of
Finance. It also transfers the Department of Neighborhood's Customer Service Bureau to the newly created "Office of Constituent
Services," which is housed within FAS. As a result, the department provides a variety of services to City departments and the public,
including citywide operational responsibilities for accounting, payroll, licensing, revenue collection and processing, animal services,
weights and measures, treasury activities, purchasing, construction and consultant contracting, risk management, the City's financial
management and personnel data systems, and management of City real estate, buildings and vehicles, as well as construction and renovation
of fire stations as part of the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy Program.

As part of FAS, the Seattle Animal Shelter fosters safe, healthy and caring relationships between people and animals in our community.

City Departments

The Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs promotes the value of arts and culture in, and of, communities throughout Seattle. It strives to ensure that a wide range of high-quality artistic experiences are available to everyone, encourage artist-friendly arts and cultural policy, and promote Seattle as a cultural destination. The Office is a resource for the entire City, focusing on the artist, the creative life of the community, and the next generation.

City Departments

The City Auditor is appointed by the City Council to a four-year term of office. The Office of City Auditor promotes honest, effective, efficient management and accountability throughout City government by conducting audits of City of Seattle programs, departments, grantees, and contracts.

City Departments

The Office of the City Clerk maintains the City's official records, provides support for the City Council, and manages the City's historical records through the Seattle Municipal Archives. The Clerk's Office provides information services to the public and to City staff. The Office of the City Clerk is a part of the City of Seattle Legislative Department.

City Departments

The Seattle City Council establishes City policy through enactment of ordinances (laws) and adoption of resolutions. The City Council also approves and adopts the City's budget. Council members are elected at-large to four-year terms through nonpartisan elections. The nine Council members and their legislative assistants are part of the City of Seattle Legislative Department. The Council President, who is elected by fellow Council members to a two-year term, is the head of the Legislative Department.

City Departments

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) has the most diverse set of responsibilities of any City department. FAS combines the functions from the former Fleets and Facilities Department and the former Department of Executive Administration with the revenue forecasting, debt management and tax policy functions that were previously performed by the former Department of Finance. It also transfers the Department of Neighborhood's Customer Service Bureau to the newly created "Office of Constituent Services," which is housed within FAS. As a result, the department provides a variety of services to City departments and the public, including citywide operational responsibilities for accounting, payroll, licensing, revenue collection and processing, animal services, weights and measures, treasury activities, purchasing, construction and consultant contracting, risk management, the City's financial management and personnel data systems, and management of City real estate, buildings and vehicles, as well as construction and renovation of fire stations as part of the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy Program.

The City of Seattle has three types of purchasing and contracting: Purchasing (goods and routine services), Construction and Public Works, Consultant Contracting. The City Purchasing & Contracting Services Division (PCSD) is centralized within the Department of Finance and Administrative Services, for goods, products, materials, supplies and routine services. PCSD administers the bid, award, execution and close-out of public works projects for City departments. PCSD also maintains the City guidelines and procedures for consultant contracting.

City Departments

The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) works to ensure that everyone in Seattle has equal access to housing, employment, public accommodations, and contracting. SOCR investigates and enforces City, State, and Federal anti-discrimination laws, and provides public policy recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and other City departments. The Office develops and implements policies and programs promoting fairness, equity, and diversity. It also administers the Title VI program of the 1964 Federal Civil Rights Act, and Title II of the federal ADA Act.

City Departments

The Civil Service Commission serves as a quasi-judicial body, providing fair and impartial hearings of alleged violations of the City's personnel system. Employees may file appeals with the Commission regarding all final disciplinary actions and alleged violations of the Personnel Ordinance, as well as its related rules and policies. The Commission may issue orders to remedy violations and may also make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding the administration of the personnel system. In addition, the Commission investigates allegations of political patronage to ensure the City's hiring practices are established and carried out in accordance with the merit principles set forth in the City Charter.

City Departments

The City of Seattle is committed to promoting a technology healthy community. The mission of the Community Technology Program is to ensure digital inclusion for all, so that residents and neighborhoods have the information technology capacity needed for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.

City Departments

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) has the most diverse set of responsibilities of any City department. FAS combines the functions from the former Fleets and Facilities Department and the former Department of Executive Administration with the revenue forecasting, debt management and tax policy functions that were previously performed by the former Department of Finance. It also transfers the Department of Neighborhood's Customer Service Bureau to the newly created "Office of Constituent Services," which is housed within FAS. As a result, the department provides a variety of services to City departments and the public, including citywide operational responsibilities for accounting, payroll, licensing, revenue collection and processing, animal services, weights and measures, treasury activities, purchasing, construction and consultant contracting, risk management, the City's financial management and personnel data systems, and management of City real estate, buildings and vehicles, as well as construction and renovation of fire stations as part of the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy Program.

As part of FAS, Consumer Affairs inspects all taxicabs and for-hire vehicles. In addition we test drivers to ensure that they can safely transport passengers. Taximeters are tested to verify that they are accurate and passengers are not overcharged. Inspectors check taxicabs and for-hire vehicles on the street days, evenings, and weekends to make certain that taxicabs and drivers conform to standards contained in the taxi code.

City Departments

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) has the most diverse set of responsibilities of any City department. FAS combines the functions from the former Fleets and Facilities Department and the former Department of Executive Administration with the revenue forecasting, debt management and tax policy functions that were previously performed by the former Department of Finance. It also transfers the Department of Neighborhood's Customer Service Bureau to the newly created "Office of Constituent Services," which is housed within FAS. As a result, the department provides a variety of services to City departments and the public, including citywide operational responsibilities for accounting, payroll, licensing, revenue collection and processing, animal services, weights and measures, treasury activities, purchasing, construction and consultant contracting, risk management, the City's financial management and personnel data systems, and management of City real estate, buildings and vehicles, as well as construction and renovation of fire stations as part of the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy Program.

The City of Seattle has three types of purchasing and contracting: Purchasing (goods and routine services), Construction and Public Works, Consultant Contracting. The City Purchasing & Contracting Services Division (PCSD) is centralized within the Department of Finance and Administrative Services, for goods, products, materials, supplies and routine services. PCSD administers the bid, award, execution and close-out of public works projects for City departments. PCSD also maintains the City guidelines and procedures for consultant contracting.

City Departments

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) has the most diverse set of responsibilities of any City department. FAS combines the functions from the former Fleets and Facilities Department and the former Department of Executive Administration with the revenue forecasting, debt management and tax policy functions that were previously performed by the former Department of Finance. It also transfers the Department of Neighborhood's Customer Service Bureau to the newly created "Office of Constituent Services," which is housed within FAS. As a result, the department provides a variety of services to City departments and the public, including citywide operational responsibilities for accounting, payroll, licensing, revenue collection and processing, animal services, weights and measures, treasury activities, purchasing, construction and consultant contracting, risk management, the City's financial management and personnel data systems, and management of City real estate, buildings and vehicles, as well as construction and renovation of fire stations as part of the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy Program.

As part of FAS, the Customer Service Bureau's mission is to assist customers in accessing City services and to achieve fairness, justice, and exemplary customer service throughout Seattle city government.

City Departments

The mission of the Office of Economic Development (OED) is to help create healthy businesses, thriving neighborhoods, and community organizations to contribute to a robust economy that will benefit all Seattle residents and future generations. OED's programs are designed to: attract, welcome, and retain companies in traditional and emerging industries by promoting the advantages of doing business in Seattle, and providing one-on-one assistance to businesses; strengthen neighborhood business districts and support community-based economic development across Seattle, with special emphasis on low-income communities; assist large employers and small businesses to retain and grow Seattle's base of businesses and family-wage jobs; increase apprenticeship and training opportunities to ensure that Seattle will have skilled workers capable of meeting the region's current and future work force needs; and improve customer satisfaction for businesses accessing City services.

City Departments

The Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC) helps foster public confidence in the integrity of Seattle City government by providing education, training, and enforcement of the City's Code of Ethics and Whistle blower Code. SEEC also promotes informed elections through education, training, and enforcement of the City's Elections Code and Election Pamphlet Code.

City Departments

The Office of Film and Music is devoted to promoting Seattle's film and music industries. The Seattle Film + Music Office is a streamlined resource for all of your film and music needs. We offer creative tax incentives and professional business development opportunities, making this vibrant city the perfect background for your next film or music production. Let Seattle be your stage for creating and discovering great film and music.

City Departments

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) has the most diverse set of responsibilities of any City department. FAS combines the functions from the former Fleets and Facilities Department and the former Department of Executive Administration with the revenue forecasting, debt management and tax policy functions that were previously performed by the former Department of Finance. It also transfers the Department of Neighborhood's Customer Service Bureau to the newly created "Office of Constituent Services," which is housed within FAS. As a result, the department provides a variety of services to City departments and the public, including citywide operational responsibilities for accounting, payroll, licensing, revenue collection and processing, animal services, weights and measures, treasury activities, purchasing, construction and consultant contracting, risk management, the City's financial management and personnel data systems, and management of City real estate, buildings and vehicles, as well as construction and renovation of fire stations as part of the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy Program.

City Departments

The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) has 33 fire stations located throughout the City. SFD deploys engine companies, ladder companies, and aid and medic units to mitigate loss of life and property resulting from fires, medical emergencies, and other disasters. The Department also has units for hazardous materials responses, marine responses, and high-angle and confined-space rescues. In addition, SFD provides leadership and members to several disaster response teams: Puget Sound Urban Search and Rescue, Metropolitan Medical Response System, and wildland fire fighting. SFD's fire prevention efforts include: fire code enforcement; inspections and plan reviews of fire and life safety systems in buildings; public-education programs; regulation of hazardous materials storage and processes; and regulation of public assemblies.

City Departments

The Office of Hearing Examiner is Seattle's forum for reviewing questions of administrative law regarding the correct application of City code provisions. As authorized by the Seattle Municipal Code, the Office conducts hearings and decides appeals in cases where citizens disagree with a decision made by a City agency. Many of the matters considered by the Hearing Examiner are related to land use and environmental decisions made by the Department of Planning and Development. The Hearing Examiner also makes recommendations to the City Council on rezone petitions, major institution master plans, and other Council land use actions.

Office location:
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue Suite 4000

Mailing Address:
PO BOX 94729
Seattle, WA 98124

Fax: (206) 684-0536

City Departments

The Seattle Human Services Department is working to create a comprehensive and integrated human services system to significantly reduce or end homelessness, hunger and violence in our community and improve the health and well-being of everyone who calls the Seattle area home. The Human Services Department funds and operates programs and services that meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable people in our community - families and individuals with low incomes, children, domestic violence victims, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

City Departments

The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) manages the City's information technology infrastructure and performs strategic IT planning. The department: coordinates strategic technology direction for the City, developing common standards, architectures, and business solutions to deliver City services more efficiently and effectively; builds and operates the City's corporate communications and computing assets, which include the City's telephone, radio and email systems, networks and servers; and oversees development of the Democracy Portal, a project to improve the City of Seattle's government access television station and its accompanying web site by providing new programming, live Web streaming of City Council meetings, live "webcasting" and interactive services that make it easier for citizens to access government information and decision makers.

City Departments

The mission and purpose of the Office of Intergovernmental Relations (OIR) is to provide advice and information to, and on behalf of, elected officials, City departments, and external customers. The primary goal of these efforts is to ensure that the City's interests are advanced with international, tribal, federal, state, and regional entities to enable the City to better serve the community.

City Departments

The Law Department serves as counsel to the City's elected officials and agencies, and as the prosecutor in Seattle Municipal Court. The Seattle City Attorney is a nonpartisan elected official. The Department provides legal advice to City officials to help them achieve their goals, represents the City in litigation, and protects public health, safety, and welfare by prosecuting violations of City criminal and civil ordinances. The three department divisions are Civil, Criminal, and Administration.

City Departments

The Legislative Department is comprised of these distinct divisions: City Council, Office of the City Clerk, Central Staff, and Administrative Services. The Council President, who is elected by fellow Council members to a two-year term, is the head of the Legislative Department.

City Departments

The Municipal Court of Seattle is the largest limited jurisdiction court in Washington. The Court is authorized by the State of Washington and the Seattle Municipal Code to hear and decide both criminal and civil matters. The Municipal Court of Seattle is committed to excellence in providing fair, accessible, and timely resolution of alleged violations of the Seattle Municipal Code in an atmosphere of respect for the public, employees and other government entities. The Municipal Court of Seattle is a contributing partner working toward a safe and vital community.

City Departments

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods provides resources and opportunities for community members to build strong communities and improve their quality of life. With more than 180 neighborhoods in the city, we meet people where they are and play a key role in helping neighbors develop a stronger sense of place, build closer ties, and engage with their communities and city government.

City Departments

Established in 1976, the Office of Cable Communications (OCC) has overall responsibility for issues related to cable television and cable Internet service for Seattle residents. The Office oversees the City's non-exclusive cable television franchises with Comcast and Broadstripe (formerly known as Millennium Digital Media) through enforcement of the franchise agreements, with an emphasis on citizen concerns.

City Departments

The mission of the Office of Housing (OH) is to invest in and promote the development and preservation of affordable housing that offers the opportunity for the City to thrive. In order to accomplish this mission, OH has established four budget control levels, including the Multi-Family Production and Preservation program, Home ownership and Sustainability program, Community Development program, and the Administration and Management program.

City Departments

The mission of the Mayor's Office is to provide honest, accessible leadership to citizens, employees, and regional neighbors of the City of Seattle that is clear and responsible, in an environment that encourages ideas, civic discourse, and inclusion for the entirety of the City's diverse population, creating an even better place to live, learn, work, and play.

City Departments

Seattle Parks and Recreation works with all citizens to be good stewards of the environment, and to provide safe, welcoming opportunities to play, learn, contemplate, and build community. Seattle Parks and Recreation manages 400 parks and open areas in its approximately 6,200-acre park system. This includes 224 parks, 185 athletic fields, 112 neighborhood play areas, 9 swimming beaches, 18 fishing piers, 4 golf courses, and 22 miles of boulevards. Other Parks and Recreation facilities include 151 outdoor tennis courts, 24 community centers, 8 indoor and 2 outdoor swimming pools, 27 wading pools, a nationally recognized Rose Garden, the Seattle Aquarium, and more. The Woodland Park Zoological Society operates the Zoo with City financial support.

City Departments

The Personnel Department provides human resource services, tools, and expert assistance to departments, policy makers, employees, and the public so that the City of Seattle's diverse work force is deployed, supported, and managed fairly to accomplish the City's business goals in a cost-effective and safe manner.

Office location:
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue Suite 5500

Mailing Address:
PO BOX 34028
Seattle, WA 98124

Fax: (206) 615-1634

City Departments

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) develops, administers and enforces standards for land use, design, construction and housing within the Seattle city limits. DPD is also responsible for long-range planning, including Seattle's Comprehensive Plan and related projects-transportation improvements, neighborhood business revitalization, downtown and waterfront planning, and more.

City Departments

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) prevents crime, enforces laws, and supports quality public safety by delivering respectful, professional, and dependable police services. SPD operates within a framework that divides the city into five geographical areas called "precincts". These precincts define east, west, north, south, and southwest patrol areas, with a police station in each.

City Departments

The City of Seattle Employees' Retirement Office has two major functions: administration of retirement benefits and management of the assets of the Retirement Fund. Employee and employer contributions as well as investment earnings provide funding for the System. The provisions of the plan are set forth in Chapter 4.36 of the Seattle Municipal Code. The plan is a "defined benefit plan," which means an employee's salary, years of service, and age at the time of retirement are used to determine the amount of retirement benefits. Retirees are given a choice of several payment options. The Retirement Office is led by a seven-member Board of Administration, and an Executive Director appointed by the Board.

Office location:
Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue Suite 900

Mailing Address:
720 Third Avenue Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98104

Fax: (206) 386-1506

City Departments

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) has the most diverse set of responsibilities of any City department. FAS combines the functions from the former Fleets and Facilities Department and the former Department of Executive Administration with the revenue forecasting, debt management and tax policy functions that were previously performed by the former Department of Finance. It also transfers the Department of Neighborhood's Customer Service Bureau to the newly created "Office of Constituent Services," which is housed within FAS. As a result, the department provides a variety of services to City departments and the public, including citywide operational responsibilities for accounting, payroll, licensing, revenue collection and processing, animal services, weights and measures, treasury activities, purchasing, construction and consultant contracting, risk management, the City's financial management and personnel data systems, and management of City real estate, buildings and vehicles, as well as construction and renovation of fire stations as part of the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy Program.

As part of FAS, the Revenue and Consumer Protection (RCP) Division is responsible for the following activities: Business Licensing, Business License (Business and Occupation) Tax, Administration, and Enforcement, Utility Tax, Admission Tax, Gambling Tax and Amusement Device Fees, Regulatory Licensing, Administration, and Enforcement. Consumer Protection includes Taxicab Regulation, Weights and Measures Regulation, and Price Scanning Inspections.

City Departments

Seattle's Public Safety Civil Service Commission (PSCSC) is an independent body that provides sworn police and uniformed fire employees with a quasi-judicial process for hearings on appeals concerning disciplinary actions, examination and testing, and other related issues. The Commission has three members and meets on a monthly basis - currently on the third Friday of the month.

City Departments

Seattle Center is a valued civic asset with community roots that reach back in time to native tribes and pioneers. Today, more than 10 million people visit the 74-acre campus each year. 78 percent of Seattle residents visit Seattle Center an average of 9 times a year. They attend one of the 5,400 free public performances, retreat in the 22 acres of landscaped gardens and fountains, or visit 1 of the 21 cultural, educational and sports organizations that call Seattle Center home.

City Departments

Seattle is a vibrant and dynamic city, and the SEATTLE CHANNEL is the award winning local TV station that reflects, informs and inspires the community it serves. The SEATTLE CHANNEL presents programs on cable television (channel 21 on Comcast and Millennium) and via the Internet to help citizens connect with their city.

City Departments

Seattle City Light was created by the citizens of Seattle in 1902 to provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound electric power to the City of Seattle and neighboring suburbs. Owned by the community it serves, City Light is a nationally recognized leader in energy efficiency, renewable resource development, and environmental stewardship. Seattle City Light provides electric power to more than 360,000 residential, business, and industrial customers. Its service area of 131.3 square miles includes the City of Seattle, areas north of Seattle including the city of Shoreline and parts of Lake Forest Park, and areas south of Seattle including the cities of Burien, Tukwila, and SeaTac.

City Departments

A collaborative effort of the Seattle Municipal Court, Seattle City Attorney and the Associated Counsel for the Accused, Seattle Community Court takes a different approach to the chronic social, human and legal problems that are resistant to conventional solutions.

Office location:
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue Suite 5350

Mailing Address:
PO BOX 94667
Seattle, WA 98124

Fax: (206) 684-4648

City Departments

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) develops, maintains, and operates a transportation system that promotes the mobility of people and goods, and enhances the quality of life, environment, and economy of Seattle. In June 2002, SDOT was created by combining transportation planning from the former Strategic Planning Office with the former Seattle Transportation Department to bring a more comprehensive approach to transportation service delivery. A major element of SDOT's creation was the establishment of the Policy, Planning, and Major Projects division, which is charged with transportation system planning and providing increased control and influence over major projects under construction in Seattle.

City Departments

Preparing for and responding to major disasters are two of the most critical and difficult functions of local government. The Office of Emergency Management is dedicated to reducing the amount of harm, preparing our citizens, and speeding recovery when a disaster strikes.

City Departments

The Seattle Public Library, founded in 1891, includes the Central Library, 26 branches and Mobile Services. The Library is governed by a five-member citizens' board of trustees, which is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Board members serve five-year terms and meet monthly.

City Departments

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility. The Water Utility provides more than 1.3 million customers in King County with a reliable water supply; the Drainage and Wastewater Utility collects and disposes of sewage and storm water; and the Solid Waste Utility collects and disposes of recycling, yard waste, and residential and commercial garbage. All three utilities strive to operate in a cost-effective, innovative and environmentally responsible manner. SPU also houses the Engineering Services line of business, which serves both City departments and outside agencies, providing efficient, customer-oriented engineering services that assist clients with replacing, improving, and expanding facilities with the least possible disruption to the community.

City Departments

The City of Seattle plays a strong role in helping event planners bring people together safely and successfully in both city-wide and neighborhood events. The Seattle Special Events Office processes applications for review by the Special Events Committee and the City's Special Event Coordinator serves as your primary contact with the Seattle Special Events Committee.